Limpopo’s mountains

The mountains of Limpopo have for centuries been a haven for both people and animals. Today they form part of a flourishing tourism region that offers a number of activities and tourism routes through which to explore their exciting history and uncover their many secrets.

Did you know?

The Soutpansberg is home to several Stone Age and Iron Age sites.

The mountains of Limpopo are rugged and beautiful, offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. Limpopo mountain ranges include the Soutpansberg (salt pan mountain), the Waterberg (water mountain), Blouberg (blue mountain), Wolkberg (cloud mountain) and Magoebaskloof.

The mountains in Limpopo are highly regarded for their walking and hiking trails, which take in a diverse range of fauna and flora, while affording hikers the most awesome views.

The Soutpansberg are the most northern mountains of Limpopo, so named for the salt pans that lie in their foothills to the west. The range stretches 130km across the top of the province and at its highest points, is more than 1 500m above sea level. Its highest peaks include Hangklip at 2 550m high and Lejuma at 1 753m.

These mountains are rich in historical and natural heritage, boasting numerous rock art sites and an unspoilt wilderness that includes more than 500 tree species and 467 bird species. The Soutpansberg Hiking Trail is a two-night trail that features the best of this magnificent range.

The Waterberg is another dominant Limpopo mountain range. It stretches 150km in an arc to the south and is part of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. It includes an impressive array of natural features, from forests to waterfalls.

There is a plethora of hiking and backpacking trails that meander through this stunning range, all of varying difficulty and requiring different fitness levels. Make sure you do the Taaibos trail near Vaalwater with its fascinating rock formations and breathtaking views.

The smaller, but not in any way less beautiful, mountains of Blouberg, Wolkberg and Magoebaskloof also provide for a variety of trails for both experienced and novice hikers. Magoebaskloof is particularly pretty, with fantastic mountain scenery that includes majestic waterfalls, dense indigenous forests, rivers, streams and private rock pools.

Travel tips & Planning info

Who to contact

How to get here

Fly direct from Johannesburg to Polokwane. If you’re driving, from Johannesburg take the N1 north motorway direct to Polokwane.

Best time to visit

Limpopo is an all-year-round destination due to its sub-tropical climate. Summer (October to February) can get very hot, especially in the lowveld region.

Tours to do

The cultural museums of Bakone Malapa at Polokwane and the Tsonga Open-air Museum at Tzaneen; Modjadji Cycad Reserve; Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and National Park; Soutpansberg and Waterberg; Kruger National Park; Ribolla Open Africa Route

What's happening

Cherry Blossom and Kiwi Fruit Festival at Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg in April; Ellisras Bushveld Festival at Lephalele in July; Thabazimbi Agricultural Show at Thabazimbi in July; Hoedspruit Airshow and Game Festival at Hoedspruit in July; Capricorn Spring Festival at Houtbosdorp in September.

Best buys

There are hundreds of curios and keepsakes to look out for in Limpopo, from Big Five-inspired gifts in the province’s game reserves to local arts and crafts. Try the Ribolla Open Africa Route for stunning, locally-made products.

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